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Truffle Gnocchi and Roasted Veggies with Lemon-Butter Sauce

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Truffle Gnocchi with Roasted Veggies in a Lemon-Butter Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Oh my. Where to start? First, this meal comes together in less that 30 minutes, so it’s ideal for a busy weeknight. But you won’t care if it took hours—it’s that amazing. Creamy, lemony, truffle-y, decadent . . . Low in calorie? Uhhh . . . not so much. But you know what? That’s okay! For Pete’s sake, live a little! Even vegans indulge! (All right, enough exclamation points—I got carried away.)  But seriously, this is divine. Pre-packaged gnocchi makes this a quick and easy meal and did I mention it’s truffle-fied?!

Truffle Gnocchi and Roasted Veggies in a Lemon-Butter Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Truffle and lemon totally get it on in this dish. You will fall in love too. So pair it with a salad (so you don’t eat the entire thing) and spice up a regular, ol’ Tuesday night with this decadent dish.

INGREDIENTS:
16-oz pkg. truffle & porchini mushroom gnocchi (like this one from World Market)
1 small bundle asparagus, ends trimmed and stalks cut into thirds
8-10 large mushrooms, quartered
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Lemon-Butter Sauce
3 Tbs vegan margarine
1 large garlic clove, minced
4 Tbs flour
1/8 C white wine
1/4 C lemon juice
1/2 C water
1 Tbs nutritional yeast
Zest from one lemon
1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. In a medium bowl, combine the asparagus and mushrooms and drizzle with a little olive oil—just enough to coat—and season with salt and pepper.
Truffle Gnocchi with Roasted Veggies in a Lemon-Butter Sauce -- Epicurean VeganTransfer to a large baking sheet. These will only take about 10-12 minutes to roast, so get the water boiling for your gnocchi which only needs about 5 minutes. The sauce will only take about that much time, so start the sauce once you toss the gnocchi in.

To make the sauce, melt the vegan margarine and add the garlic. Whisk in the flour.  It will thicken up quickly. Whisk in the white wine; it will thicken even more and then add the lemon juice. Let it thicken, then slowly add a bit of water to thin it out. You may or may not need the full 1/2 cup of water, so add as much as you think you need to get a sauce that isn’t too thick. (Think Caesar dressing-like.) Finally, whisk in the nutritional yeast, lemon zest, and salt.

Truffle Gnocchi with Roasted Veggies in a Lemon-Butter Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Once the gnocchi is drained, add it to the roasted veggies.
Truffle Gnocchi with Roasted Veggies in a Lemon-Butter Sauce -- Epicurean VeganAdd the sauce and coat thoroughly. Enjoy! Seriously. Enjoy.

Truffle Gnocchi and Roasted Veggies withLemon-Butter Sauce
 
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Oh my. Where to start? First, this meal comes together in less that 30 minutes, so it's idea for a busy weeknight. But you won't care if it took hours---it's that amazing. Creamy, lemony, truffle-y, decadent . . . Low in calorie? Uhhh . . . not so much. But you know what? That's okay! For Pete's sake, live a little! Even vegans indulge! (All right, enough exclamation points---I got carried away.) But seriously, this is divine. Pre-packaged gnocchi makes this a quick and easy meal and did I mention it's truffle-fied?! Truffle and lemon totally get it on in this dish. You will fall in love too. So pair it with a salad (so you don't eat the entire thing) and spice up a Tuesday night with this decadent dish.
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 16-oz pkg. truffle & porchini mushroom gnocchi (like this one from World Market)
  • 1 small bundle asparagus, ends trimmed and stalks cut into thirds
  • 8-10 large mushrooms, quartered
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Lemon-Butter Sauce
  • 3 Tbs vegan margarine
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 4 Tbs flour
  • ⅛ C white wine
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • ½ C water
  • 1 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • Zest from one lemon
  • ½ tsp salt
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the asparagus and mushrooms and drizzle with a little olive oil---just enough to coat---and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Transfer to a large baking sheet. These will only take about 10-12 minutes to roast, so get the water boiling for your gnocchi which only needs about 5 minutes. The sauce will only take about that much time, so start the sauce once you toss the gnocchi in.
  4. To make the sauce, melt the vegan margarine and add the garlic. Whisk in the flour. It will thicken up quickly. Whisk in the white wine; it will thicken even more and then add the lemon juice. Let it thicken , then slowly add a bit of water to thin it out. You may or may not need the full ½ cup of water, so add as much as you think you need to get a sauce that isn't too thick. (Sorry to be vague!) Finally, whisk in the nutritional yeast and salt.
  5. Once the gnocchi is drained, add it to the roasted veggies.
  6. Add the sauce and coat thoroughly. Enjoy! Seriously. Enjoy.

 

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice

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Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. And it’s a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don’t usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don’t always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.

INGREDIENTS:
1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
1 Tbs olive oil
2 C instant brown rice
1-3/4 C vegetable broth
1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
1/3 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean VeganMeanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you’re using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don’t start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)

Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes.

Sauteed Asparagus and Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice -- Epicurean Vegan

Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

Sauteed Asparagus & Chickpeas Over Herbed Brown Rice
 
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This recipe came to me about two in the morning a few days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. And it's a good thing. The flavors of the sage, thyme, and parsley meld so perfectly and I love the combo of the soft chickpeas and crispy asparagus. I don't usually go for instant brown rice, but I also don't always like waiting forty-five minutes for brown rice to cook, so the ease of instant rice made this delicious dish come together in breeze.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut diagonally into 3-4 pieces
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 2 C instant brown rice
  • 1-3/4 C vegetable broth
  • 1 Tbs fresh sage (about 10 leaves), minced
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme, minced
  • ⅓ C fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
Directions
  1. In a large skillet, over medium-low heat, heat the olive oil add the asparagus. Saute 10-15 minutes, or until softened, but with still a little crunch. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Meanwhile, start the rice. Bring the broth to a boil, then add the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5 minutes. If you're using regular brown rice, get it going right away and don't start sauteeing the asparagus until the rice has about 15 minutes of cooking time left. (Cook according to package instructions.)
  3. Add the chickpeas to the skillet, along with the lemon juice, and cook over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add the herbs to the cooked rice and combine well.
  4. Serve the asparagus-chickpeas mixture over the herbed brown rice and enjoy!

 

Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Asparagus

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Cashew Alfredo & Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganThe Alfredo recipe is from The Kind Life and is probably the best vegan Alfredo sauce I’ve tried thus far. The taste and consistency is perfect. The only thing I added was some nutritional yeast and some sliced mushrooms. Paired with the asparagus, it was a fantastic meal!

INGREDIENTS:
Alfredo:
1 C raw cashews
2 Tbs pine nuts
1-1/2 C water
4 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/16 tsp nutmeg
1-1/2 tsp salt (I used 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 C nutritional yeast
4 C pasta (I used 16 oz of orecchiette, a.k.a “suction cup pasta)
1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
Asparagus:
1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
1-2 Tbs olive oil
Salt

Cashew Alfredo -- Epicurean VeganDIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 400. In a large bowl, coat the asparagus with the olive oil and season with salt; set aside. To make the sauce, grind the nuts in a blender until you reach a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth—about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper and mushrooms. It won’t take long to thicken up and stir it often to keep it from burning.

Cashew Alfredo -- Epicurean VeganTransfer the asparagus to a baking sheet and as soon as you add your pasta to a pot to boil it, throw the asparagus in the oven. Incidentally, they’re both take about 14 minutes to cook.

Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganTurn the asparagus halfway through—about 7 minutes. Cook another 7 minutes.

Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganPerfect!
Drain the pasta and serve with sauce ladled on top. (The Eighth Grader cut up his asparagus and added it to the pasta and loved it). Enjoy!

Cashew Alfredo -- Epicurean Vegan

Cashew Alfredo and Roasted Asparagus
 
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The Alfredo recipe is from The Kind Life and is probably the best vegan Alfredo sauce I've tried thus far. The taste and consistency is perfect. The only thing I added was some nutritional yeast and some sliced mushrooms. Paired with the asparagus, it was a fantastic meal!
Author:
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Alfredo:
  • 1 C raw cashews
  • 2 Tbs pine nuts
  • 1-1/2 C water
  • 4 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/16 tsp nutmeg
  • 1-1/2 tsp salt (I used 1 tsp)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ C nutritional yeast
  • 4 C pasta (I used 16 oz of orecchiette, a.k.a "suction cup pasta)
  • 1 to 2 C mushrooms, sliced
  • Asparagus:
  • 1 bunch of asparagus, ends trimmed
  • 1-2 Tbs olive oil
  • Salt
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400.
  2. In a large bowl, coat the asparagus with the olive oil and season with salt; set aside.
  3. To make the sauce, grind the nuts in a blender until you reach a fine powder. Add the nutritional yeast, water, lemon juice, garlic, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth---about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until it begins to boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes; stir in the black pepper and mushrooms. It won't take long to thicken up and stir it often to keep it from burning.
  4. Transfer the asparagus to a baking sheet and as soon as you add your pasta to a pot to boil it, throw the asparagus in the oven. Incidentally, they're both take about 14 minutes to cook.
  5. Turn the asparagus halfway through---about 7 minutes. Cook another 7 minutes.
  6. Drain the pasta and serve with sauce ladled on top. Enjoy!

 

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares

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Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

These were amazing! I thought they’d be a pain in the butt to make, but actually, they were pretty easy. They took some time, but other than that, they were simple to make. And so delicious! The recipe is from Vegetarian Times and I substituted the Brussels sprouts with asparagus and elephant garlic with just two large cloves of garlic. Next time I make these, I’d probably chop the carrots  smaller than the recipe says, but otherwise, theses were fantastic! And why wait until next Thanksgiving? These are great as a fall/winter meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
1 medium onion, sliced
3 Tbs + 1/2 tsp olive oil, divided
1-1/4 tsp salt, divided
3/8 tsp black pepper, divided
2 heads elephant garlic (again, I used 2 regular cloves of garlic)
2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, divided
3 Tbs white wine
1 Tbs cornstarch or arrowroot
1 tsp thyme
10 stalks of asparagus, cut into thirds or fourths
10 baby carrots, cut into thirds or fourths (rather than in half on the diagonal)
10 button mushrooms, halved
6 shallots, peeled and quartered
2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed
Almond milk, for brushing dough

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Set aside about 20 cauliflower florets in a bowl. Toss the rest with the onion and 1 Tbs olive oil; season with 1 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

(I’d break up the cauliflower more than this)

Spread onto a baking sheet. Wrap up the garlic and 1/2 tsp of the olive oil in some foil and place on the baking sheet.

Roast 30 to 45 minutes. I roasted them for about 25 minutes—the onions were getting too browned. (Another reason to break the cauliflower up smaller).

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

Squeeze the warm garlic from it’s skin into a food processor and add the cauliflower/onion mixture and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you’d like.

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

Combine the wine, cornstarch, remaining 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, and 1/2 C water in a small bowl; set aside.

Heat remaining olive oil in a wok or skillet. Add the reserved cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, and shallots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, then add the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

Roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Cut into four squares. Chill for 15 minutes on parchment paper.

 

The recipe says to place a 1/4 C of the cauliflower puree in the center, but I found that when I got close to last four (of the 8 squares) I was running low, so I recommend using a bit less than a quarter cup per square. Top the puree with about a 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture. Again, so easy on the 1/2 cup–it was close.

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

Fold corners of the dough over the vegetable mixture, pinching the corners together.

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares -- Epicurean Vegan

I made these ahead of time, so I covered and refrigerated for about 2 hours before baking them. When it comes time to bake, brush with almond milk and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes. Delicious!! Enjoy!

Flaky Harvest Vegetable Squares
 
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These were amazing! I thought they'd be a pain in the butt to make, but actually, they were pretty easy. They took some time, but other than that, they were simple to make. And so delicious! The recipe is from Vegetarian Times and I substituted the Brussels sprouts with asparagus and elephant garlic with just two large cloves of garlic. Next time I make these, I'd probably chop the carrots smaller than the recipe says, but otherwise, theses were fantastic! And why wait until next Thanksgiving? These are great as a fall/winter meal.
Author:
Serves: 8
Ingredients
  • 1 head of cauliflower, broken into small florets
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 Tbs + ½ tsp olive oil, divided
  • 1-1/4 tsp salt, divided
  • ⅜ tsp black pepper, divided
  • 2 heads elephant garlic (again, I used 2 regular cloves of garlic)
  • 2 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce, divided
  • 3 Tbs white wine
  • 1 Tbs cornstarch or arrowroot
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 10 stalks of asparagus, cut into thirds or fourths
  • 10 baby carrots, cut into thirds or fourths (rather than in half on the diagonal)
  • 10 button mushrooms, halved
  • 6 shallots, peeled and quartered
  • 2 sheets of frozen puff pastry, thawed
  • Almond milk, for brushing dough
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425.
  2. Set aside about 20 cauliflower florets in a bowl. Toss the rest with the onion and 1 Tbs olive oil; season with 1 tsp salt and ⅛ tsp pepper.
  3. Spread onto a baking sheet. Wrap up the garlic and ½ tsp of the olive oil in some foil and place on the baking sheet.
  4. Squeeze the warm garlic from it's skin into a food processor and add the cauliflower/onion mixture and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, if you'd like.
  5. Combine the wine, cornstarch, remaining 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, thyme, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper, and ½ C water in a small bowl; set aside.
  6. Heat remaining olive oil in a wok or skillet. Add the reserved cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, and shallots. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, then add the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool.
  7. Roll out the puff pastry into a 12-inch square. Cut into four squares. Chill for 15 minutes on parchment paper.
  8. The recipe says to place a ¼ C of the cauliflower puree in the center, but I found that when I got close to last four (of the 8 squares) I was running low, so I recommend using a bit less than a quarter cup per square. Top the puree with about a ½ cup of the vegetable mixture. Again, so easy on the ½ cup--it was close.
  9. Fold corners of the dough over the vegetable mixture, pinching the corners together.
  10. I made these ahead of time, so I covered and refrigerated for about 2 hours before baking them. When it comes time to bake, brush with almond milk and bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes. Delicious!! Enjoy!

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad

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Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad -- Epicurean VeganThis salad is great because it can be served hot or cold—perfect for a pot luck or feeding a crowd.

INGREDIENTS:
1-3/4 C Israeli/pearl couscous (I used a mixture of whole wheat and regular)
2 shallots, minced
2-1/2 C vegetable broth
3 green onions, sliced
1 small bunch asparagus, cut into 1″ pieces
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 C pumpkin seeds, toasted
zest from one medium lemon
Dash of cinnamon
2 Tbs fresh basil, minced
2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
1 Tbs garlic
White pepper, black pepper, and salt
Olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. In a small bowl combine the asparagus, black pepper, salt, and enough oil to coat the asparagus. Line a baking sheet with foil; layer on the asparagus and roast for 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, melt the margarine and add the shallots and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until the shallots begin to brown. Add the couscous and combine with the shallots. Pour in the broth, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

Dry-toast the pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until they begin to brown.

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad -- Epicurean Vegan
Remove from the heat and stir in the zest, basil, and cinnamon. Transfer to a bowl and stir in green onions, asparagus, and tomatoes. If serving cold, cover and chill for a few hours and stir in the pumpkin seeds before serving. If serving warm, stir the seeds in now. Season with white pepper and salt. Enjoy!

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad -- Epicurean Vegan

Couscous and Roasted Asparagus Salad
 
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This salad is great because it can be served hot or cold---perfect for a pot luck or feeding a crowd.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1-3/4 C Israeli/pearl couscous (I used a mixture of whole wheat and regular)
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 2-1/2 C vegetable broth
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 small bunch asparagus, cut into 1" pieces
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • ½ C pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • zest from one medium lemon
  • Dash of cinnamon
  • 2 Tbs fresh basil, minced
  • 2 Tbs Earth Balance margarine
  • 1 Tbs garlic
  • White pepper, black pepper, and salt
  • Olive oil
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. In a small bowl combine the asparagus, black pepper, salt, and enough oil to coat the asparagus. Line a baking sheet with foil; layer on the asparagus and roast for 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
  2. Meanwhile, in a medium sauce pan, melt the margarine and add the shallots and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or until the shallots begin to brown. Add the couscous and combine with the shallots. Pour in the broth, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Dry-toast the pumpkin seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until they begin to brown.
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the zest, basil, and cinnamon. Transfer to a bowl and stir in green onions, asparagus, and tomatoes. If serving cold, cover and chill for a few hours and stir in the pumpkin seeds before serving. If serving warm, stir the seeds in now. Season with white pepper and salt. Enjoy!

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces

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Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean VeganThis is one of those meals that will make you wish you wore your elastic waistbands pants. It’s actually pretty easy to throw together because you can do a lot of the prep work ahead of time. So invite your friends over and don’t be shy, put on some sweatpants or yoga pants and sit down to a long evening of fondue!

INGREDIENTS:

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Coq Au Vin Fondue:
3-1/2 C vegetable stock
1/2 C Burgundy wine
1/2 C mushrooms, sliced
1 Tbs garlic, minced
2 green onions, sliced

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Cilantro-Yogurt Dip:
1 C soy yogurt
4 green onions, minced
1/4 C cilantro, chopped fine
2 tsp fresh ginger
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Sour Cream & Horseradish Dip:
1-1/4 C Tofutti sour cream
5 tsp prepared horseradish
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs red onion, chopped fine
1/4 tsp cayenne
Salt and pepper, to taste

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Sesame-Soy Sauce:
1/2 C tamari
1/4 C rice wine vinegar
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp agave
1 Tbs garlic, minced
1-1/2 tsp fresh ginger
1 green onion, sliced thin
1 Tbs sesame seeds, toasted
2 Tbs fresh chives, chopped

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Butter-Mustard Sauce:
1/2 C Earth Balance margarine
3 Tbs Dijon mustard
5 Tbs Worcestershire sauce

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

The rest:
Whole mushrooms
zucchini/yellow squash
asparagus
potatoes
bell peppers
broccoli


DIRECTIONS:
It’s best to make the dipping sauces ahead of time. The Butter-Mustard Sauce is served warm, so you can do that one last minute. To make the Cilantro-Yogurt Dip, combine all the ingredients and refrigerate. To make the Sour Cream Horseradish Dip, combine all ingredients and refrigerate. To make the Sesame-Soy Dipping Sauce, combine all ingredients and set aside. Refrigerate if not using right away. To make the Butter-Mustard Sauce, combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and melt together–takes only a few minutes.

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

When you’re ready to eat, make the Coq Au Vin Fondue, by combining all the ingredients in a fondue pot and bring to a boil.

Divide the dipping sauces evenly among everyone.

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan
The potatoes will take the longest, so it might be best to zap them in the microwave first, just to soften them a little. Everything else will take 3-5 minutes. Enjoy! (And you’ll know you’re done eating when you pass your fondue forks over to The Husband who will most likely continue to eat for another 45 minutes)!

Coq Au Vin Fondue and Dipping Sauces -- Epicurean Vegan

Savory Vegetable Tart

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Savory Vegetable Tart -- Epicurean VeganLike the Savory Asparagus Tart, this one is to die for. I think that pretty much sums it up.

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed according to package instructions (allow for about an hour to an hour and a half)
1/2 a bunch of asparagus
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
5 mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 C Daiya mozzarella
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 tsp truffle oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Cut up the asparagus into bite-sized pieces; steam for 10-12 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit a an 11×7″ baking sheet. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—you can tuck in the sides if they overlap the edges of the pan. Prick the dough in several pieces with a fork and bake for 4-5 minutes. It will puff up:

Layer on the cheese, then the tomato:

Next, layer on the mushrooms and the steamed asparagus:

Savory Vegetable Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Combine the olive oil and truffle oil in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the veggies with the oil mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy!

Savory Vegetable Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Savory Vegetable Tart
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 puff pastry sheet, thawed according to package instructions (allow for about an hour to an hour and a half)
  • ½ a bunch of asparagus
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • 5 mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1 C Daiya mozzarella
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tsp truffle oil
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400. Cut up the asparagus into bite-sized pieces; steam for 10-12 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit a an 11x7" baking sheet. Don't worry about getting it perfect---you can tuck in the sides if they overlap the edges of the pan. Prick the dough in several pieces with a fork and bake for 4-5 minutes. It will puff up.
  2. Layer on the cheese, then the tomato.
  3. Next, layer on the mushrooms and the steamed asparagus.
  4. Combine the olive oil and truffle oil in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the veggies with the oil mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy!

 

Savory Asparagus Tart

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Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean VeganWhen I open my own vegan restaurant, this tart will be a signature item on the menu! And look, I’m sharing my secret recipe with all of you now! The Husband was on a conference call when I took this out of the oven and took a bite. You have no idea how difficult it was to not eat his portion; he would have never known. But of course, I couldn’t do that to him—it’s a recipe you’ll want to share and enjoy with others.

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry dough, thawed
1 C Daiya or other vegan cheeze, shredded
1 bunch asparagus
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 tsp truffle oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Roll the pastry sheet out to about 11″x7″. Place onto a baking sheet. Using a fork, puncture the dough all over.

Bake for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown. You may need to press down on the dough with a spoon if it puffed up in places.

Sprinkle the cheese onto the dough, then line the asparagus—close together—on top. I just cut the stalks in half (after cutting of the thick ends) and placed them like so:

Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the asparagus , thoroughly coating the tops. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to brown. Remove from the pan (I used two spatulas on either end) and transfer to a large cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Savory Asparagus Tart
 
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When I open my own vegan restaurant, this tart will be a signature item on the menu! And look, I'm sharing my secret recipe with all of you now! The Husband was on a conference call when I took this out of the oven and took a bite. You have no idea how difficult it was to not eat his portion; he would have never known. But of course, I couldn't do that to him---it's a recipe you'll want to share and enjoy with others.
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Ingredients
  • 1 puff pastry dough, thawed
  • 1 C Daiya or other vegan cheeze, shredded
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tsp truffle oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400. Roll the pastry sheet out to about 11"x7". Place onto a baking sheet. Using a fork, puncture the dough all over.
  2. Bake for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown. You may need to press down on the dough with a spoon if it puffed up in places.
  3. Sprinkle the cheese onto the dough, then line the asparagus---close together---on top. I just cut the stalks in half (after cutting of the thick ends) and placed them in rows on the puff pastry.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the asparagus , thoroughly coating the tops. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to brown. Remove from the pan (I used two spatulas on either end) and transfer to a large cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Baked Tofu and Roasted Asparagus Pasta Salad

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Baked Tofu and Roasted Asparagus Pasta Salad -- Epicurean VeganThis is a flavorful salad that is ideal for those summer get togethers, both served cold or warmed up. Roasting the asparagus only takes 10 minutes and is perfect in this salad.

INGREDIENTS:
16-oz farfalle, cooked, drained and rinsed in cold water
1 pkg Westsoy Garlic and Herb baked tofu, cubed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
2 Tbs fresh thyme, chopped
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar
1 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs olive oil, divided
3-4 Tbs jarred or homemade basil pesto
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 C walnuts, chopped and toasted

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Line a baking sheeting with foil.  In a small bowl, mix asparagus pieces with 1 Tbs of olive oil, add salt and pepper to taste. Layer onto baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the pesto, bell pepper, and tofu. Once asparagus has cooled (it won’t take long) add to the pasta mixture. Mix in the thyme and salt and pepper to taste. In a small bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and remaining 1 Tbs of olive oil. Pour over pasta mixture and combine well. Refrigerate for a couple hours and when ready to serve, mix in the walnuts. Enjoy!

“Bacon” Wrapped Roasted Asparagus

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"Bacon" Wrapped Roasted Asparagus -- Epicurean VeganI usually don’t mind putting a little work into a dish, especially when I know it’s worth it. These take about 15 minutes or so to prepare, but you won’t be sorry.  There are a few different ways to secure the “bacon” to the asparagus: I broke toothpicks in half and secured each end of the bacon strip to the asparagus stalk. You can also wrap the bacon just around the middle and secure it once. Lastly, you can also use bamboo skewers through the middle to secure. Either way, they’ll make the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1 pkg Smart Deli Bacon
1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed
Olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Slice each bacon slice in two, lengthwise. Wrap around each asparagus slice and secure with toothpicks. Place on a foil-lined, lightly oiled baking sheet.

Brush with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes.  Enjoy!

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